Cost & Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the Homestay Fee include?

  The monthly rate is: 

  $33 per night based on single occupancy. Paid in increments of 28 days this comes to $924. Students may make arrangements to pay on a set date each month. Because of the varying numbers of days each month, this averages to $1004 per month.

  Double occupancy is $1500 (married couple).
  

  SHORT-TERM: Any stays less than 28 days are $35 per night.

  Students share a common bathroom.  Rooms are not shared unless by a married couple—or siblings studying together.  

  Each student has a place to store personal food in both a cupboard and shared refrigerator.  A self-serve continental breakfast (cereal, toast, butter and jam, lunchmeat, coffee, tea) is provided. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby to explore. Coffee and tea are always available to students.

  Twice a week, the entire homestay family will sit down together for a meal and extended conversation and community-bonding. These are rich times together. 
  

  The Homestay Fee is all-inclusive. There are no additional taxes, utilities, or fees. Homestay fees must be paid promptly. Keep in mind, if you pay by Zelle or other online app, your fee will not reach the host for several days. In the unlikely event of a student breaking items or causing damage, the student is expected to replace the item or pay for repairs.

  Hosts will provide air-conditioning mid-May to mid-September or as needed if summer arrives early or stays late.

• How can I pay for my homestay?

  Payment is prorated until the first of the month and then due promptly on the first of each month.  Prior to move-out (with a two-week advance notice), the fee will be prorated for partial months.

  Payments can be made in cash, a certified bank check, Zelle, or Venmo.

  Credit cards are not accepted.

  The deposit to secure your homestay is an application fee and covers administrative costs. It is not a partial payment of the first month’s homestay fee. Once you arrive, your homestay payment goes to your hosts.
  

• I'm planning to be away during my stay. What happens then?

  Just as with any university housing or rental, room reservations are from move-in day to move-out day consecutively. If you choose not to eat meals or not to sleep in your room, you will need to continue paying according to schedule. This policy applies during vacation periods.  Students who do not wish to pay for their rooms while they are gone on break must move out completely and store their belongings elsewhere.  The room will be made available to a new student.

• Cancellations/Refunds

  Homestays are available on a first-come first-served basis. It is important to apply as early as possible. Once a student has occupied a homestay, there are no refunds for the first four-week session.